1st Information Operations Command conducts safety stand-down training

A field sobriety exercise wearing Fatal Vision Goggles that simulate inebriated conditions and riding in a Seat Belt Convincer that simulates an automobile crash at 10 mph are not normal training aids a command usually uses in its annual safety stand-down training.

Yet, on Friday, about 153 Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians from the 1st Information Operations Command assembled at Wood Theater for a safety stand-down day that involved using such training aids.

"The stand down is a required event to review the safety objectives for 1st Information Operations Command," said CWO3 John Kennedy, the command's brigade safety officer. "First IO supports the safety and occupational health objectives of (U.S. Army's Intelligence and Security Command), and the safety and occupational health objectives of INSCOM were addressed."

The 2011 safety and occupational health objectives were seat belt usage; motorcycle operator training and helmet-wear compliance; to sustain on-duty loss reduction using composite risk management; improve military and DA civilian accident reporting; and develop programs to combat distracted driving.

In addition, the Fort Belvoir Fire Department spoke to Soldiers and staff about summertime fire hazards, and the Fairfax County Police addressed driving while intoxicated laws and distracted driving.

"The response of the Fort Belvoir community, and the Fairfax County Police were terrific," Kennedy said. "The police and fire department here at Fort Belvoir, were terrific. They all said 'tell us what you need, and we'll make it happen.'"

Kennedy added that Fairfax County has a distracted driving, safety-related campaign because distracted driving is recognized as a large factor in traffic accidents.

A Belvoir motorcycle safety instructor also addressed motorcycle safety and helmet wear compliance along with a Soldier who was an avid motorcyclist.

"They were able to educate the non-motorcycle driver, about how they can become better observed in traffic situations, which promotes safety for the motorcycle driving, and non-motorcycle driving public," Kennedy added.

In the afternoon, Officer Joe Moore and Sgt. Mike Tucker of the Fairfax County Police Department spoke to the Soldiers about distracted driving. Moore's presentation sought to explain how automobiles have, through technology and advertising, undergone changes that historically addressed such things as its performance and handling on the road, to current advertising themes that electronically can answer and dial the phone, look up locations, and warn a driver drifting into another lane. Thus, distractions in the car have increased, leading to an increase in distractions that also present safety concerns to drivers and passengers.

Tucker presented a briefing on driving while intoxicated, and brought along "Fatal Vision Goggles" that simulates the condition of being inebriated.

"The process of how alcohol affects the body from gross and fine motor skills development works in direct contrast to the process of human development so that those skill sets become the first abilities that are impaired through alcohol consumption," Tucker said.

Lt. Col. Joshua Melendez, brigade executive officer, became the goggles' first test subject and demonstrated some physical and cognitive difficulties in complying with verbal requests likely to be given in a sobriety test.

"It was hard, definitely, and I could see where someone would have difficulty with those requests," said a visibly perspiring Melendez after the sobriety tests.

The last safety item to be briefed concerned seat belt safety. Fairfax County's Seat Belt Convincer simulates low-speed car collisions, complete with an airbag deployment. Using the theater's parking lot, several Soldiers and civilians climbed aboard the Convincer to see for themselves what it was all about. "From my perspective, there was no doubt that the seat belt kept me in my seat, and away from a deployed airbag," said Sgt. Maj. James Scott of 2nd Battalion.

"We're proud to be able to help Fort Belvoir in any way that we can," Tucker said. "They do a lot for us, so it's good to be able to return the favor."